A Thank You To Zazzle For Providing Thousands of Creators With a Lifeline

[CreativeLeahG]

I wrote this in a comment in another thread (IPO concerns) but I thought it should be a post of it's own for others to share their appreciation.

Zazzle and business models like it provide a VITAL means of earning an income for many thousands of people who for a variety of reasons can't do so the traditional 'hired employee 9-5' way. And this needs recognition and support from any body that values people working for themselves to help themselves. 

Zazzle does not discrimnate against race, color, disability, age, gender. ALL are welcome.

For myself as an example, with various health issues:

Autism, Ehlers Danlos, Severe Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Chronic pain to name a few whereby I can't now sit upright in a regular chair nor stand for prolonged periods due to pain. I can't work 'out there'. Self-employment, working from home is my only option, not just a choice.

Through hard work and long hours I am able to earn a decent income which allows me to provide for myself and my family. There are many like me with health issues, mental health struggles, practical issues (they may be full-time carers for family members, retired pensioners in dire need of a supplemental income, full-time single moms and dads) who benefit from having self-respect as well an income as a result of the Zazzle business model.

It is a lifeline literally!

I do worry how changes may impact this massive workforce which relies on these business models to help ensure we remain productive and valuable members of society.

I have faith however, Zazzle will continue to provide the support and tools we need to continue, whether it be IPO or whatever it is.

[CrazyMermaid]

I completely agree. Zazzle is a very special business model. Veronica's Bakery that produces a lot of the baked goods for Zazzle is located near me. They are only one example of small, local businesses that benefit as well as artists. 

[CreativeLeahG]

aww how lovely! Are these for team lunches or the products?

[Jessica_K]

Hi CreativeDesign! Just saw your question was unanswered. Veronica's Bakery is the producer, making many of the brownies and treats that we artists design for. I think they also will affilate/post our top designs in their store for extra promotion. For example - https://www.zazzle.com/store/veronicas_treats?qs=jessicakirkdesign

I really appreciate this thread. It's a meaningful way to work for so many of us. And the need for models like Zazzle are a big part of the #futureofwork.

[CreativeLeahG]

Ah thank you for that! 

[shellifitz]

I certainly hope you’re right. I am taking a “ride it out and see what happens “ stance.

adding: I do appreciate the opportunity we have here and pray that Z will consider that the designers are a valuable asset to this company. 

[CreativeLeahG]

Maybe if people share how valuable Zazzle is to them, shareholders (if the IPO thing happens) will realize that this isn't just a business but a lifeline that other employment opportunities can't match and they will  consider this going forward with any decisions they make.

Being a global ambassador for equal opportunities is a big deal. 

Companies like Zazzle literally do fill a gap our own governments can't fill when it comes to getting the 'not easily employable' for the reasons stated in OP, into work.

I feel very passionately that our governments should give recognition and even highlight the opportunities self-employment offers via vehicles such as this that have no discriminatory barriers, no cv required, no former qualifications, experience.... I also for got to add language barriers in my reasons for people finding local employment difficult. This is a big deal ( I feel ).